1. Wimbledon Magistrates Court Alexandra Road London SW19 7JP The Magistracy in Merton

2. Inside the magistrates’ court  Lay magistrates usually sit on a bench of three people

3. What qualities do you need to be a magistrate?  Good character  Understanding and communication  Social awareness  Maturity and sound temperament  Sound judgement  Commitment and reliability

4. What cases are dealt with in the magistrates’ court?  All criminal cases start out in the Magistrates court.  95% of cases are dealt with fully in the Magistrates court  5% of cases go to the crown court Crown Court Magistrates Court

5. Youth Court Justice  The youth court is for 10-17 year olds and is in a less formal setting  Specially trained magistrates sit here.  Sentences aimed at changing behaviour and attitudes are issued.  Parents are often involved in the outcome

6. The family proceedings court  Protection of children  Contact  Adoption  Parental Responsibility Specially trained magistrates sit in the family proceedings court and deal with issues arising out of family breakdown. Such as:

7. From crime to court Crime Committed Arrest made Taken to custody suite and charged Sent to court for plea to be taken

8. What happens next?  The defendant appears in court and pleads guilty or not guilty  If they plead guilty they will be sentenced. If they plead not guilty a trial will follow and the court will have to decide on their guilt.

9. Sentences Community sentence Conditional discharge Fine Prison/curfew order

10. Sentencing intention  Punishment  Reduction in crime/ deterrence  Reform and rehabilitation  Protection of the public  Reparation Can be all or some of these

11. Sentencing Structure  Offence seriousness (culpability & harm) Identify starting point Consider aggravating & mitigating factors  Form preliminary view of appropriate sentence  Consider offender mitigation  Consider reduction for guilty plea  Consider ancillary orders (e.g. compensation)  Decide sentence & give reasons

12. Consequences after court  Loss of job  Public shame  Criminal record  Visa and travel restrictions  Higher insurance premiums

13. How you can help us  Spread awareness of the Magistracy  Help the local community understand what we do  Help build public confidence in the Criminal Justice System  Recruitment of new magistrates